Countries of the World
The world is home to 192 countries recognized by the United Nations, each differing from one another in terms of political and economic systems, geographical location, climatic characteristics, and unique geophysical traits. Additionally, these countries vary in infrastructure and tourist attractions. Their land areas also differ significantly; for instance, the total area of the ten smallest countries in the world is only 1,491.4 square kilometers, which is less than the area of Houston, Texas.
The Smallest Country in the World
The smallest country globally by land area is Vatican City, also known as the Holy See, covering just 44 square kilometers. Vatican City became a sovereign independent state in 1929 and is nestled within the capital of Italy, Rome. It serves as the center of the Catholic Church and is home to the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica. The term “Vatican” refers to both the city and the state and is often used to denote the government of Vatican City or the Pope. Situated on Vatican Hill in northwestern Rome, near the west bank of the Tiber River, its irregularly shaped area is surrounded by tall walls and includes courtyards, gardens, and buildings of diverse architectural styles.
Language in Vatican City
Being located in Italy, it is expected that most of Vatican City’s residents speak Italian. However, there are some minorities who converse in different European languages, such as Spanish. Latin is employed for official documents and daily communication within the Vatican, although its use has declined in Europe due to the predominance of native languages among Western European populations.
Administration in Vatican City
The Pope serves as the absolute ruler of Vatican City, overseeing its governmental affairs and delegating secular powers to others while prioritizing ecclesiastical matters. The city also has a Governor whose responsibilities are akin to those of a city mayor, while the Cardinal holds the position of Secretary of State for external affairs, managing political and church-related issues.
The Prefect of the Papal Ceremonies is responsible for overseeing ceremonies involving the Pope, while the head of the Papal Household handles the organization and coordination of papal meetings and diplomatic receptions. Various departments manage Vatican City’s finances under a defined set of regulations. In addition to civil courts, the Vatican houses the Roman Curia, which focuses on religious cases, whereas most civil criminal cases are referred to the Italian judiciary. Various entities oversee postal, telephone, water, electricity services, and road cleanliness within the Vatican. Furthermore, the Swiss Guard is assigned to protect the Pope and his residence, while the Pontifical Gendarmerie provides daily policing services. Notably, Vatican City does not maintain an army or navy.
The Vatican’s diplomatic corps comprises around ninety ambassadors and other officials. In countries with a Catholic majority like Ireland, the Philippines, and Spain, papal ambassadors are referred to as Nuncios, while in other nations such as the USA, Australia, the UK, and Indonesia, they are known as Pro-Nuncios. In countries with no formal relations with the Vatican, like South Africa and Mexico, the Pope’s envoys are called diplomats or papal envoys.
Climate in Vatican City
Vatican City experiences a temperate climate, characterized by snowy and rainy weather from September to May, followed by hot and dry summers from May to August, prompting locals to leave during this time. The ideal months to visit Vatican City are September and October, when temperatures are cooler and occasional rain falls, along with lower nighttime temperatures.
History of Vatican City
Historically, the site of Vatican Hill was a garden and arena for the Roman Emperor Nero, where many early Christians met their demise. It is believed that St. Peter was crucified and buried in this area. Early Popes constructed the Vatican on this site, as it was thought that a sanctuary marked the entrance to St. Peter’s. In the 4th century AD, the Christian Emperor commissioned a basilica at what was believed to be St. Peter’s burial site, laying the groundwork for the eventual development of the Vatican Palace and associated buildings.
During the Middle Ages, Vatican City was not the principal residence of Popes; instead, the Lateran Palace in Rome held that title. From 1309 to 1377, the Popes resided in Avignon, France. Upon their return, the Lateran Palace had been burned, compelling them to move to the Vatican. St. Peter’s Basilica was constructed in the early 6th century over the original basilica established by Constantine. Over the years, Popes gained control over a central Italian area known as the Papal States. In 1870, after a string of political defeats, Pope Pius IX lost power, secluding himself within Vatican City and refusing to engage with the Italian government. In 1929, the Lateran Treaty was signed, in which the Pope renounced claims to Papal States in exchange for the recognition of Vatican City as an independent state by the Italian government.
Landmarks in Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica
This basilica is one of the largest Christian churches globally. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a cathedral but a basilica—an honorific title bestowed by the Pope, as opposed to a cathedral, which serves as the main church of a diocese and contains the bishop’s official seat.
The Vatican Palace
The Vatican Palace consists of multiple buildings, containing over 1,000 rooms, open courtyards, and surrounding residential buildings, museums, and halls. Offices for the Secretary of State and reception areas occupy part of the palace, while the Vatican Museums and archives comprise the rest.
The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of Christian manuscripts, ancient Egyptian and Etruscan relics, and modern Christian art, including rare statues like Apollo Belvedere and Laocoön. Michelangelo’s masterpieces adorn the ceiling and a grand wall in the Sistine Chapel, while the various halls and galleries showcase works by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Titian.
The Vatican Archives
Founded by Pope Paul V in 1621, the Vatican Archives were created to preserve significant religious and historical documents, including the original report of Galileo’s trial in 1633, the text of the Napoleonic Concordat of 1801, and the petition presented by the English Parliament in 1530 to annul Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon. In 1881, Pope Leo XIII opened the archives to researchers and scholars.